Attracting international talent: How German universities have to catch up!

Attracting international talent: How German universities have to catch up!

Recruiting international research talent at European universities is becoming increasingly important, not only for the academic development of the institutions, but also for promoting global collaborations. Current evidence shows that mobility is a crucial factor in early career development for researchers. Often, a tenure position expects scholars to embark on a journey through various institutions, often across national borders. These career paths not only promote intellectual breadth, but also bring with them various personal and professional challenges that must be navigated. The Wübben Foundation reports that international candidates must adapt to new cultural and linguistic contexts, which poses additional hurdles to their success.

To attract the best minds in this competitive environment, European universities need to think beyond traditional job advertisements. A deep understanding of the respective academic ecosystem is essential. These institutions should specifically identify global centers of excellence in order to find promising candidates and actively approach potential applicants. Visibility in these centers could be increased by attending conferences and networking with leading researchers.

Strategies for recruiting international talent

The way job advertisements are worded plays a crucial role. In order to attract truly internationally talented politicians and scientists, the offers should be made clear and inclusive. They must contain information about research, teaching and professional development opportunities and reflect institutional readiness for international engagement. A well-structured recruiting schedule, such as advertising in September and offers in May, can make the recruiting process much more efficient.

But an attractive research offering alone is not enough. Quality of life and opportunities for integration are also crucial. Institutions are therefore required to offer personalized support in areas such as dual careers, housing and cultural integration. International recruitment should be viewed as a strategic investment in institutions' intellectual capital, because researchers working across borders bring new perspectives that strengthen international collaboration.

Support programs for international students

A complementary aspect to international recruitment is the support of international students, who should be supported throughout their entire qualification path. The FIT program enables German universities to better prepare international students for the challenges of studying in Germany. With the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this program aims to promote both student success and successful integration into the German labor market.

The FIT program, which started on April 1, 2024, includes a total of 89 projects at German universities and runs until 2028. It aims to establish measures for study preparation, study support and ensuring student success and to expand career services for international students. Such initiatives are crucial to ease the transition of international students into the German labor market while ensuring the quality of academic training.

Overall, taking a comprehensive look at international attitudes and supporting international students is not only a step towards improving academic reputation, but also a commitment to the global relevance and dynamism of academic institutions. The University Rectors' Conference emphasizes that such approaches can make long-term returns visible in the form of publications and rankings.